The playground will have a transport-theme to suit the park's heritage as it also houses the city's miniature trains railway.

A new concrete path has just been installed with solar-powered lighting, park furniture, seats and picnic tables to be added as part of the $250,000 upgrade.

A new bridge will also be installed across the channel which cuts through the park.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said he was pleased to see the improvements start in Matthews Park.

"This beautiful park is right on the edge of the CBD and it's good to see it getting some attention," he said.

"People who work in the CBD are making use of the all-day parking in Moulder Street, so they're walking along the path through the park everyday.

"We want to make that safer after hours, so we'll be installing solar-powered, pole-mounted lights along the path."

Cr Kidd said with the new concrete path now installed crews would begin excavating for the playground before installing a soft-fall surface and the play equipment.

"The enthusiastic team who run miniature steam trains in the park draw hundreds of children to their running days.

"In keeping with that, the new playground equipment has a 'trains' theme." he said.

"[Being] right next door to the CBD, Matthews Park can become a quiet place where shoppers and people who work in the CBD through the week can go for a stroll or to eat a sandwich.

"We'll be installing some more park furniture, seats and picnic tables among the trees."

He said as the playground was on the opposite side of the water channel to the railway station, a new pedestrian bridge across the channel would be installed.

"Quotes have now closed to construct the bridge," Cr Kidd said.

Other Future City works are in McNamara Street where street art is underway and on Lords Place where crews will rebuild the footpath on the western side of the street between Summer and Byng streets.

At council's latest meeting last week it also approved funding for businesses seeking to improve the look of their buildings in the CBD.

Under Round 1 of the Future City Assistance Fund council will provide $4622 to Glenmace Pty Ltd to refurbish the facade at 240-242 Summer Street including the removal of the Midstate Jewellers sign on the top floor.

It will also provide $3387 to Ian and Elizabeth MacLean to refurbish the facade of 169 Summer Street, $5000 to the Anson Street Plaza Owners Corporation for the facade of 212 Anson Street and $3945 to Graham and Judith Brindle for the facade of 197 Summer Street.

One of those properties, 169 Summer Street was damaged in a fire this year.

It was agreed council would liaise with the property owner regarding insurance implications for the work.

Council was also told other businesses would be able to apply for funding in later rounds. "Applications are open in several rounds in the current and the next one or two financial years," a report to council stated.

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